ADHD and Epigenetics: How Environmental Factors Influence Gene Expression and Symptom Severity
Turns out our genetics is only half the story...
As adults with ADHD, we're often acutely aware of how our environment can impact our symptoms. But did you know that these environmental factors can actually influence the expression of our genes? Welcome to the fascinating world of epigenetics and its role in ADHD. Today, we'll explore how environmental factors can affect gene expression and, consequently, the severity of ADHD symptoms.
Understanding Epigenetics
First, let's clarify what we mean by epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that don't involve alterations to the DNA sequence itself. Instead, these changes affect how genes are read and translated into proteins. Think of it as a biological switch that can turn genes on or off, or adjust their activity levels.
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ADHD and Genetic Factors
We know that ADHD has a strong genetic component. Studies have shown that the heritability of ADHD is around 74%, meaning that genetic factors play a significant role in its development . However, genetics isn't the whole st…
